What options does one have to defend themselves against intrusive callers?
• The Do Not Call list (Federal or State)
Works, but is effective against ONLY "legitimate" telemarketers. Political callers, surveys and some other callers are exempt. Scammers ignore the DNC list.
• NoMoRobo
A system offered by some telephone providers, to help automatically block robocalls. Google "nomorobo" to see if it works with your phone provider.
• Shouting, screaming, swearing at the caller
Nope. Does not stop calls. May make you hoarse, and will disturb nearby people.
• Call blocker app, device or service
Could be a good choice (even though the scammers can use fake phone numbers), and some apps are free!
Google "call blocker" for more information, or check your favorite online sales site for a list.
http://gg.gg/blockers
Your phone provider may also offer blocking services. Check their web page for information.
If you cannot use any of the above defenses, then:
• Do not answer calls from unknown numbers ... let them go to voicemail or answering service
• Do NOT return calls from unknown numbers! All that does is verify your phone number! And, in some cases, those return calls may cost $20 or more to complete.
• If you have a "dumb" cell phone, assign the scammer's number to a group named "scammers" (or similar). Then, assign a silent ringtone to that group.
These people call at least once a week and I usually just ignore them after seeing the caller ID but they outdid themselves tonight, ringing up st 12.42am, when I was sound asleep. I picked up in the dsrk without checking the ID and was alarmed when no one was there. This is a big house and the phones are linked by intercom so my 90 year old father can summon me if he needs help. I immediately ran downstairs fearing something dreadful had happened to my father ,who fortunately was peacefully asleep, undisturbed by the phone, which I had grabbed without turning on the light to see who it was.
I then rang the abovementioned number and was treated with a verbal assault, told to F-off and had the phone out down on me.
We are on a no cold call list but a lot slip through the filter. It's bad enough when they ring during the day, but it's unconscionable for them to call in the middle if the night.
hese people call at least once a week and I usually just ignore them after seeing the caller ID but they outdid themselves tonight, ringing up st 12.42am, when I was sound asleep. I picked up in the dsrk without checking the ID and was alarmed when no one was there. This is a big house and the phones are linked by intercom so my 90 year old father can summon me if he needs help. I immediately ran downstairs fearing something dreadful had happened to my father ,who fortunately was peacefully asleep, undisturbed by the phone, which I had grabbed without turning on the light to see who it was.
I then rang the abovementioned number and was treated with a verbal assault, told to F-off and had the phone out down on me.
We are on a no cold call list but a lot slip through the filter. It's bad enough when they ring during the day, but it's unconscionable for them to call in the middle if the night.
hese people call at least once a week and I usually just ignore them after seeing the caller ID but they outdid themselves tonight, ringing up st 12.42am, when I was sound asleep. I picked up in the dsrk without checking the ID and was alarmed when no one was there. This is a big house and the phones are linked by intercom so my 90 year old father can summon me if he needs help. I immediately ran downstairs fearing something dreadful had happened to my father ,who fortunately was peacefully asleep, undisturbed by the phone, which I had grabbed without turning on the light to see who it was.
I then rang the abovementioned number and was treated with a verbal assault, told to F-off and had the phone out down on me.
We are on a no cold call list but a lot slip through the filter. It's bad enough when they ring during the day, but it's unconscionable for them to call in the middle if the night.